Russia, Ukraine start new prisoner swap in Belarus

June 9, Pozirk. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced a new prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine under agreements reached at the Istanbul talks on June 2.

The returned Ukrainians include those seriously wounded and soldiers under 25, Zelensky said. Writing on Telegram, Zelensky said: “The process is quite complicated, there are many sensitive details, negotiations continue virtually every day.”

The Ukrainian president said that the agreements on humanitarian issues reached during the meeting in Istanbul are expected to be fully implemented. He emphasized the importance of returning every prisoner of war, noting that efforts are being made at all levels to achieve this goal. He also expressed gratitude to those who contribute to these efforts.

The Russian defense ministry reported the transfer of a similar number of prisoners under 25 to Russia. Like Zelensky, it did not specify the number, describing them as “the first group.” It said the Russian soldiers are already in Belarus.

In May, Russia and Ukraine agreed on the largest prisoner exchange since the beginning of the war —1,000 for 1,000.

In 2024, Russian media reported 12 exchanges were reported with Russia securing the release of 535 soldiers. In 2025, five exchanges took place, with 800 Russian prisoners released.

Russia and Ukraine last swapped POWs in Belarus on May 6, with each side returning 205 people. Also in 2025, each side transferred 246 people to the other on April 19 (in addition 31 wounded were sent to Ukraine in exchange for 15 Russians who needed urgent medical care), 175 on March 19 (not counting 22 seriously wounded returned to Ukraine) and 150 on February 5.

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